Planning to buy a 6th gen..., what to look out for? Options

[elvasoshexai]

I'm planning on getting a 6th gen sometime this year...
i'm just wondering if there are any common problems i should watch out for or any specific things i should check out when buying one...

are there any specific years which are better or any specific years with more problems? since 94 and 96 models are the first year of a new revision would it be better to go with a 95 or 97-99? or it won't make any diff?

or any other things i should know when looking for one?

there's quite a few 94s for sale in my area (toronto.. so lots of salt used)... it's an 11 year old model.. would it be wise to get a 94?

i know i should also take the car to my mech to check out as well...

[RallyK]

I think you're on the right track when you're talking about salt, but it totally depends on the car. Where I live we have long winters and a lot of salt. Celicas around here are known to be extremely dependent, bullet proof engines, but the rear quarters tend to rust out. My 94 was in MINT condition, mechanically, and it has a rubber undercoating. (I personally think that helped the life of the car). There was some rust on the rear quarter and under the doors which I fixed. I would recommend something as simple as mudflaps! And of course, clean your car as much as possible in the winter.

There weren't many changes between 94-99. You also won't be able to be that picky about the year because you need to be more concerned about other factors like rust and condition of the engine/equipment. It all depends on how the previous owner drove their car. I test drove a 99 and determined that the brakes needed to be replaced, the rear struts were going, the leather interior was all ripped up, etc etc. Remember, if someone wears on the interior, they may also wear on the rest of the car(ie, they may not give a damn). I test drove a 94 which was HALF the price and it was in mint condition. It had a few more miles than the 99, but it was well worth it.. and now i own it

So basically: don't worry about the year... worry about the condition of the car.